8/28/08

Show your true colors at dinner honoring vets

Veterans and their partners are invited to enjoy a free meal accompanied by conversation and entertainment Saturday, September 13, from 5 to 8 p.m., hosted by Take a Vet to Lunch, a nonprofit organization founded by Bob Rawe of Stanwood.

The event will be held at the Assembly of God Church at 201 N. Stillaguamish Avenue in Arlington. Mike Gregoire, the First Gentleman of Washington and a staunch supporter of veterans’ rights, is expected to attend the event, although Rawe promises “no politics.”

Rawe, who started inviting service veterans to his home for lunch in January of this year, is excited to take the program to a new, larger audience.

“I hope we’ll see lots of folks from the community who take this opportunity to show their appreciation for our veterans’ sacrifices,” said Rawe. “For only $15 they can enjoy a nice dinner and interesting conversation.”

Civilian community members are encouraged to attend the event to honor veterans from all eras and branches of service. A $15 ticket will cover the cost of a vet's dinners. Local businesses and organizations have signed up to host tables to help defray costs, and meal service will be provided by volunteers.

“Vets will be encouraged to mingle with one another and meet new friends,” said Rawe. “The evening will allow veterans to talk about their military service, and give non-veterans an opportunity to say ‘thank you’.”

Thanks to donations from local merchants, guests will also have a chance to win raffle drawing prizes during the evening.

To make reservations for the dinner or to find out more about sponsorships, contact Bob Rawe at (360) 629-5054.